Barrie Mann - Special to the Sun

More than 40 people turned up to participate in the meeting of the Sequoia Monument Recreation Council held in the Veterans Hall of the Senior Center in Lake Isabella Saturday June 28.

The Recreation Council consists of representatives from the Forest Service, interested organizations, environmental and recreation activity groups. Their charter is to work together to formulate input acceptable in content and language for the Sequoia National Monument Management Plan currently being worked on by the Sequoia Forest Planning Department. Each representative is expected to attend meetings and share information providing input from his or her respective interest group.

Carrie Fox leading the Council in a decision making exercise.

This was the sixth meeting of the council, but the first time the council traveled to the Kern River Valley to conduct one of its meetings. Many of the attendees were from outside of our valley, several traveling from Fresno and surrounding areas. For some it was their first visit to our valley, and they expressed their surprise at the beauty surrounding us and stated they understood our interest in the work they are doing. They could see the recreational activities that were taking place as they drove into the meeting.

Kern River Revitalization along with the office of District Supervisor McQuiston were responsible for convincing the council to have their meeting in our Valley and their efforts showed that we are capable of hosting such meetings. Each pre-registrant were given a folder of information about the Kern River Valley covering aspects of recreational opportunities.

Several members of the public attended and were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and state their interest. The attendees that make up the council are a diverse group consisting of Forest Service employees, environmental groups and many recreational enthusiasts such as hikers, hunters, off-roaders and anglers.

Chuck White of Kern River Revitalization opened the meeting by explaining how the decision had been reached for the council to hold the meeting in Lake Isabella. White stated that the Revitalization organization has been involved since inception with Jim Davis as permanent representative on the council. White then turned the meeting over to Carrie Fox acting as facilitator.

Carrie Fox is a consultant hired by the Sequoia Forest management to conduct the activities of the council and to facilitate at the meetings. After quickly addressing the agenda for the day and assuring everyone that they would be given ample chance to become involved, the meeting got down to serious business. The format of the meeting was interesting. A round table was set up where the majority of the attendees sat. They are called 'Fish' (according to Carrie Fox) because they are considered to be in a fish bowl setting. The remainder, sitting outside of the 'Fish Bowl' is called 'Sharks' why 'Sharks’ was not clear, but apparently they had the ability to dart in and raise questions of the fish any time they felt the need.

First up to address the council was Marianne Emmandorfer, a Forest Service planner from the Western Divide Ranger District. She presented a power point presentation explaining the planning process and Federal Legislation that controls and guides the Forest Service through the planning stages. Next Fox took the group through a decision making exercise taking great care to explain in detail the nuances that can go into the process. Several questions were raised from both council members and others to get clarification of the process. Fox did a good job of answering the questions and making sure that those that asked questions understood her responses.

After a short break the council and interested 'Sharks' broke into small groups to discuss the criteria that might possibly be used in planning the recreational outlets for the Sequoia Monument. As this was an exercise to familiarize the council on a process tool for planning purposes, no firm commitment was expected or made.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. with many council members feeling it had been a successful meeting they enjoyed the give and take of discussion. The collaboration of the public and the Forest Service was a good example of the SNForest Management led by Tina Terrell being proactive in seeking public input.

Many of the attendees traveled to the campground of Mountain River Adventures in Kernville for a BBQ. The next meeting of the council is scheduled for Aug. 23 and 24 to be held in the Hume Lake District. Attendees and public will be notified and invited to attend.